G7 Cultural Summit: Open Letter to the Cultural Ministers of France, Italy and Germany

In a time of increasing global challenges which have an impact on our societies, it is essential for Europe to reinforce the Union’s common project and redefine its political objectives.

On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Rome Treaties, to be celebrated on 25 March in Rome, EU Member States will have the opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to the fundamental European values.

On 30 and 31 March, in Florence, the G7 cultural summit will be organised for the first time, in the context of the Italian presidency of the group.

The European Alliance for Culture and the Arts*, welcomes this initiative as it provides an opportunity – just a few days after the Rome celebrations – to discuss the EU’s approach to culture and to deliver a strong message to other countries.

In this context, we call upon the cultural ministers of the G7 group to include culture in the newly upcoming fundamental discussion on Europe’s future and to appeal to other member states and the EU institutions to put culture at the heart of European policies. Culture is the basis and a crucial condition for the development of democratic societies. It is a lever for a sustainable Europe and a key aspect of its relations with third countries.